Stories by brindlegirl (145 matches)

A Tribute to My Mother

I've been thinking today (with it being mothers day) that it should be a sad day for me. But it isn't. Not at all. Today I haven't felt sad that my mother is no longer with me, instead I've felt so incredibly grateful and blessed that she once was.

With you or not with you, here or somewhere else, your mother is always your mother and everything she has ever given you will always be carried in your heart. She never leaves you. Her impact on your life is imprinted into your very being and you carry it with you and little bits of her wherever you go.

It reminds me of a quote by Joel Osteen I love ... "The best legacy is not what we leave FOR people but what we leave IN people" And my mother, she left a lot in me.

If I Can't Donate Money. I Donate Love!

I wanted to share with you all a little something I do. I do this often, well as often as I can. I love to write. I love to make others feel happy, loved and special because lets face it; that is exactly what we all are. So what I do is put the two things together, writing and love. I often write letters of love to strangers and leave them in places hoping that the person who needs it most will stumble upon the letter and find it. However lately I've started to post letters to organizations and even random people whose addresses I stumble upon. I am often sent letters asking for donations and to help contribute to various charities and organizations. I contribute the best I can but as we all know, we can't contribute and donate to them all. Included in these letters of request for donations, are ... Read Full Story >>

Listening to the little voice within

A friend's mother recently told me how she has been going through some hard times lately. She knows I practice a feminine yoga called "tigress" and often asks about it. I told her about an upcoming trial taster class. She told me that if finances permit, she would attend.

So tonight as I was thinking about her and about Tigress yoga, I heard a voice in my head say, "Pay for her Nicole." And so I did!  

I told her I would love to pay for her class and asked her if it were ok. To which she instantly replied, "Yes!" I love a woman who can so easily and graciously receive as I was nervous asking because I don't know her too well.  

Karma. Its Real.

Karma. Its real. I love (and I think it may be Mish or Mindy who created the term) but whoever said 'Boomerang Kindness'. When you do an act of kindness for another and it almost instantly returns back to you. That happened to me last night. I was at work as I usually am on a Saturday night and served an elderly couple. They were regulars who I have been serving for almost a year. Except tonight before they left they called me over and handed me a $5 note. They told me it was for me to keep as they wanted to thank me for all I do for them each week. Now I have to add here. This is very out of character for them. They have never 'tipped' before and 'tipping' in my country is not practised. It is quite rare in fact. You may remember me posting earlier about ... Read Full Story >>

She Ran To Give an Elderly Man Back His Walking Cane, And Received Far More In Return

I met a man yesterday. Didn't get his name. And I'm confident, I'll probably never ever see him again. And that's ok. The purpose of our meeting, it's destiny, and it's fate, was fulfilled in the 5 minutes we spoke. He was an elderly man. Quite elderly. I'd say with no more than a few years left in him, on this earth. If he's lucky. I didn't see him at first. Had to search for him. Search for the owner of a very worn and old wooden walking stick, which was left half hanging outside of a shopping cart. I called out to a man who was walking away. I knew it was his. Had to be. It was. And he returned (slowly) to get it. I was in a friendly mood so started a conversation. And that's when it happened. That's when this man blessed me, with his story. And what a story. I ... Read Full Story >>

Pizza Delivery!

Today I did something I have never done before. I ordered delivery pizza for our neighbours at our back fence whom I don't know.

I've been watching them all as a family this past week (parents and teenage children) spend their weekends in the garden. Cutting trees, picking up rubbish, and doing such a big job. It has warmed my heart so much.

So as a nice treat on this hot day, I discovered their address and went down to the local pizza shop. I ordered 2 pizzas, coke, and garlic bread, and had it all delivered to them. I left no name except to tell them to have a nice day and that this was a random act of kindness.

So far this is the biggest act I have done. I love it. I really hope they felt loved today and I'm so glad that lunch was on me!

I Shone My Light ...

I shone my light of kindness today on all who were open to receiving it.

I visited Olga in her nursing home and whilst there encountered a severely disabled elderly lady, laying in a bed out in the hall on her own. Her slipper had fallen off so I picked it up and placed it back on her foot. Oh what joy this brought her. She squealed with delight and every time I passed her, her slipper would fall off again. Each time I'd repeat the process.

Then there was Richard a man with no legs who also resides there. I stopped to chat with him and stood there as he told me jokes I didn't find funny or understand. But I laughed anyway.

Today in that home I gave all I had to give. I did nothing special, yet gave it all.

We all have so much light, spark, love and energy to give the world. Why hide it? We were born to sparkle ♥

What Can I Do To Help?

I helped a lady today. I saw her get up from where she was sitting and struggle to walk. She was heading towards the supermarket where I was with my trolley and my youngest son. Seeing her made me stop. It made me realise how grateful I am to have my mobility and health. Seeing her struggle to walk I wanted to help but didn’t know how. What can I do? I thought. I had no idea, so I asked her. I went up to her and said ‘Can I help you in any way?. Her whole face lit up. Someone cared. She asked me if I could get her a trolley and bring it to her which I did and she was ever so grateful. Couldn’t stop thanking me. I wanted to do more and would have done her whole shop for her if I could have. So all I could ... Read Full Story >>

We all have the Power

I went out to breakfast this morning to meet a friend. Was lovely. But what wasn't so lovely was the lady who took our order.... Nothing major, only that I noticed a bit of a 'tude' about her. She spoke in a way that was frustrated, unhappy, certainly not friendly, and sort of rude. Working in hospitality myself, I noticed it. When it came to my turn to approach her and order I thought to myself ... "what can I do here to make her day, to appreciate her, to make her smile'. I had nothing. Surely there must be something I can sincerely compliment her on. Then there it was and I knew instantly. Or more so heard instantly. It was her voice. She had the most incredibly well spoken and clear voice. It was SO good. Like incredibly good. Professionally good. I had it. That was it. That was what I would compliment ... Read Full Story >>

Listening to the voice

I had a few things I needed to do in the city today. One thing required I park my car in a multi-storey car park. I only needed to be in there for a minute. I thought it would be free as I was parked less than 5 minutes. But nope, it cost me $2. I was so annoyed, so angry. I stuck my $5 note into the machine and when the change fell into the change compartment I heard a voice that said " leave it. Leave it for someone else to find, it will make their day." So I did. I left it along with a smile card.

Walking away I felt happy. I felt good and no longer upset or annoyed. I love that voice, the inner voice of knowing and I'm so grateful to have heard it and listened ♥
 

Be the person you needed when you were young

There are so many acts of kindness that can be done daily and so many more we miss. I missed one the other day and really wish I'd acted upon it. It was only later in reflecting back on the day that I saw it.

Still it's ok. At the time I sent love and gave the girl my heart and prayers later that night. And that too is a kindness.

I was at my boys school sports carnival watching all the kids compete. When I noticed one race, and a young girl of about 8, coming last. She was overweight and was trailing so far behind that the others in the race had finished well before she crossed the line.

At the time my heart broke. I remember being that girl. Overweight and coming in last. How now I wish I'd said something. Told her how proud I was of her and encouraged her.

Still there will be a next time. And those times, those times will not pass by like this one. I will act on them 💗

When The Opportunity Presents Itself, Be Ready

I've become very self absorbed and withdrawn this past week or two, I've noticed. Totally turning inward, which in all honesty, was probably needed. I've felt lost and distant. Not my usual giving self at all. So yesterday I decided to claim back my mojo. The kindness mojo! Our intentions are so, so very powerful because yesterday offered me so many opportunities for kindness. All because I had asked. All because I had "intended". I did totally awesome. So many ways I gave. Too many to list even. Opportunity after opportunity presented itself. From people needing coins who just happen to be standing in front of me and I overhear, to lost little boys coming up to me for help, and me amazingly knowing just who his mother is and returning him. To later coming across a job opportunity which was just perfect for a friends daughter, and then taking the time to ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness Without Leaving Home

I'm a stay at home mum to three beautiful young boys, and some days I never leave the house!

On these days I always wander how I can do a kind act. But I realize I do them every day. Although not big and even without leaving the house we can still do acts of kindness.

I smiled at other drivers driving my boys to school, I left uplifting and positive comments on people's Facebook status. I played with all my three children and gave them attention rather than do something for me and I walked the neighbor's dog.

Things can be done every day without leaving home.

I Read This Today ...

I read this today and it must be shared here. A true act of kindness and compassion. "Jessica Eaves from Guthrie, Oklahoma recently had her wallet stolen by a man while she was grocery shopping. Most people in that situation would immediately get the authorities involved, but she found a way to resolve her problem herself. "I saw this gentleman down the aisle from me," Jessica tells us. "He walked behind me, and when I got a couple of aisles over, I realized my wallet was gone." "I spotted him in a crowded aisle and approached him," she continues. "I'm a pretty out-there personality, but I was quiet and calm." "I said to him, 'I think you have something of mine. I'm gonna give you a choice. You can either give me my wallet and I'll forgive you right now, and I'll even take you to the front and pay for your groceries." The alternative? ... Read Full Story >>

Buddha Doodle Rug for Two

I love how much this place has changed me. As many may know I love Molly and her Buddha doodles and have wanted to purchase a throw rug for sometime.
However the shipping is more than the rug to get it to me in Australia.

So I've asked my sister in law who is currently in the US if she would mind me shipping it to her to bring when she visits in December. She said she would and mentioned her favorite is 'tree of life' when I said I couldn't decide which to get.

So I've decided to buy it for her along with mine. What a nice surprise it will be for her when she receives two, not knowing one is for her ♥

A day at the supermarket

A man in the supermarket today called me a good samaritan. His comment took me by surprise. He didn't know me. And what I had just done wasn't exactly 'samaritan' worthy. Or so I thought... I grocery shop every week. Some weeks even multiple times. And every single time I am loading the conveyer belt up with all my groceries, I will offer and let the person behind go in front. Especially when they have only a few items and I am still loading up mine. Today I let two people go in front of me, including the man who called me a good samaritan for doing so. But really? Am I? Isn't this just a simple courtesy? Something I hope everyone would do... I was in no hurry today and even if I were, why should that man wait behind me in line? Because I got there first? Because I was in the line first? How absurd. He only had ... Read Full Story >>

What She Needed Most, Was Kindness Toward Herself

I did a HUGE kindness to me tonight. And this one, for me personally, is HUGE! I gave myself a gift. I called in to work. A job I love. A job I have never resented going to or called in "sick" too. A job I adore. That job. Well tonight, 20 minutes before my shift was due to begin, I called in to say that I wasn't able to do my shift. Actually I was way more upfront and honest than this. I explained I wasn't "sick" and was quite perfectly able to do my shift physically, but that right now, I wasn't in a good state emotionally. Huge. Huge because I never admit this. Huge because I was extremely vulnerable and honest. And huge because even when I did call I knew I was taking a huge risk. They could say no its not ok and I'd have to show up even more ... Read Full Story >>

Kindness of a little girl

Tonight at work a little girl at dinner started chatting to me excitingly. She showed me her new shoes, dress, and her most favourite ... two big shiny sparkling dress rings.

I told her much I loved them and how beautiful she looked. Later during my shift she called me over to her table and begun pulling off one of her rings. Once she had it off she then placed it into my hand and said, "Here, this is for you. It's my favorite but I want you to have it. I know you will take very good care of it for me and will love it as much as me".

I just about cried. Is that not one of the sweetest things! Mostly so because it was her favorite, and only an hour earlier she was telling me how much she loved it and had only just received it.

Children. They really do live from their hearts and it's something to be admired and cherished. And the world is a better place because of them. Blessed we all are for the daily reminders of love that our children give us ♡

I Had A Dark ...

I had a dark moment earlier. The dragon that was once me, returned. I hadn't slayed her. Oh she is a fine piece of work. I don't like her at all. But I am grateful she comes out at times. She reminds me of how far I've come and who I don't want to be, ever. I was at the dentist for my eldest. An appointment which I have organized and reorganized for months. I confirmed it twice and called the day before to ensure all the paperwork would be ready for the x-rays. Then I arrived. it wasn't ready. The lady on had no idea what I was talking about and I immediately felt my blood boil. I was getting so mad. I didn't yell at her or curse but I may as well have because the way I was talking to her was not nice. My tone was so ... Read Full Story >>

Reciprocal Kindness

Today whilst visiting an elderly friend of mine in a nursing home a lady approached me with a banana for my toddler. It's the simple kindnesses and thoughtfulness like this that make your day. And make the world a better place.

P s how amazing is this banana. Google banana art! I was astonished at the incredible works ♥

For The Love of Books

All week I have been sorting through every book we own. Childrens books, recipe books, self help, reference books, novels, them all.

We have so many, too many for one person to enjoy so I've decided to donate the majority of them. Most I will be donating to a book fair that raises money every year by selling used books. But then there are some, some books that touched me deeply and helped me in life in so many ways.

These books I've decided to gift to those that need them. I will leave them along with a note explaining it all in random places such as bus stops and hospitals. Places where people can really use a book. I have also today gone through all our shoes, shoes that we no longer wear but are still wearable to donate and give to those who have no shoes. Books and shoes, such a gift, and something we all have many of yet there are those out there who have none. Giving brings me joy!

 

You Know What I ...

You know what I find so amazing is how these simple words can brighten another's day. I have been out all day and morning and at every exchange of service I had today, I said as I farewelled the person "Have a wonderful day". Each and every time the whole person's face lit up. I thought about this more as I walked away, wondering why it was so. Surely I wasn't the only person to wish them a sweet or beautiful day? Then I had the thought ... 'brindlegirl, but you meant it'. And I did. Each and every time I thank someone I do so from deep within. I feel it in my heart and speak from that place. That way when it's received by the other person, that is exactly where it is felt. I learnt this technique a year or two ago - speaking from your heart. It's simple too. All ... Read Full Story >>

My Usual Kindness Act ...

My usual kindness act I do whenever I stay in a hotel ... chocolate rose, card with beautiful words inside and either gift card or lotto ticket enclosed. The housekeepers do such a lovely job cleaning our rooms I always like to thank them. This time however I did a little extra kindness....

I made their job as easy as I could. I left our room spotless, emptied bins for them and loaded the dishwasher and washed dishes. A small gesture but one they'll appreciate ♥

Hidden In Library Books.

Today when returning a library book I slipped a $5 in between the pages with a note wishing them the most beautiful blessed day. I do this every time I return a library book and if I cannot afford the money I will stick only a note inside with words of love and letting them know that someone is thinking of them and that I hope they enjoy the book.

Coffee is Out of My Comfort Zone

Earlier today, there were some men removing my the backyard fence. I was surprised to see them working even though it was cold and raining.  As I stood in my warm home watching them, I heard a family member say to me, "Nicole, go out there and offer them a coffee or a warm drink."  I didn't want to, and thus made up a bunch of excuses. Underneath the excuses, I was afraid. I had never met them and was scared to start up a conversation and face possible dismissal or rejection. Going out to them was completely out of my comfort zone...which is exactly why I did it.  I asked myself, 'Nicole, are you a kind person? Or are you only kind when it's easy and makes you feel comfortable?' I knew this would be good for me to grow as an individual, so I went out there.  Guess what? They said no. ... Read Full Story >>

Open to Receiving Love

Today I received an incredible kindness. My mother and sister-in-law took my boys to the movies, park and lunch!

At first, this was hard to receive. I noticed myself instantly start to evaluate if I had 'earned' it and searching for ways to repay them with kindnesses.

This has been a huge awakening for me. Noticing this aspect of myself. It sounds so simple to graciously accept yet the whole time I had thoughts of "I'm not worthy. What have I done to earn this?".

I am grateful for this realization about myself because I hadn't noticed it fully until now.

Today with my kid-free time I was able to go to lunch and catch up with a friend. I also later purchased a gift card to gift as an act of kindness. And I know this was my 'paying for and earning my kindness'. I wanted to give back to someone else as I was given. It really has a grip on me. Yet I will work on it. I am open to receiving ♡

Changing the World

I don't normally "repost" others writings but this is so beautiful. So true. And something I vow to do daily. And most days I do. I am changing the world. YOU are changing the world. We all are changing the world. 💜 

"She felt like doing her part to change the world, so she started by giving thanks for all of the blessings in her life, rather than bemoaning all that was missing from it.

Then she complimented her reflection in the mirror, instead of criticizing it as she usually did. Next, she walked into her neighborhood and offered her smile to everyone she passed, whether or not they offered theirs to her.

Each day she did these things, and soon they became a habit.

Each day she lived with more gratitude, more acceptance, more kindness.

And sure enough, the world around her began to change. Because she had decided so, she was single-handedly doing her part to change it."
 
- Scott Stabile

Finally, This Was My Moment

Below is my story which I shared on Facebook about my act of kindness yesterday. Many of you have done this often. Yet I've never had the opportunity until yesterday.  Yesterday I was finally able to do act of kindness I have always wanted to do. This isn't an everyday ordinary kindness that you can just 'do'. It sorts of just happens. If your open to it .... After my visit with Olga yesterday I needed to pop into the supermarket quickly on my way home to grab a few things. So there I was, in the 15 items or less line, waiting to be served when I noticed a young lady in front of me.  She was quite young and had a toddler with her in a stroller. She was really struggling with and juggling her items, which is probably what drew my attention to her. So I stared, as I do ... Read Full Story >>

A visit with a lovely lady named Olga

Today I had the pleasure of visiting this lovely lady, Olga. She doesn't speak very much, and our conversations are never deep. But it doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm there, holding her hand listening. She isn't alone. So many elderly are alone and living in convalescent homes. They may have the latest technology; TV's, and all the latest gadgets, much like Olga's brand new establishment. But you know what? None of it means anything to them. All they want is company. All they want it for someone to care and to show them that they matter. People often say what I do is kind and so great. It really isn't. I do nothing special at all. I just turn up, and by doing so it shows I care. It shows she means something to me. And she does. I took this photo today because sometimes I don't know what to do. I ... Read Full Story >>

What I loved today...

You know what I loved today ...?

Seeing this bin out the front of a supermarket here at our coastal stay collecting food for animals in needs. What I loved most was when purchasing a few tins of dog food myself to add, seeing the bin was already overflowing with donations.

Seeing the kindness of others today who had also donated completely made my day ♥

Reminded of The Power of Kindness

The traffic that made me smile

Coffee and Kindness

Appreciating The Park-Keepers

Free Dinner In Fifteen

Inspired by KindSpring

Message In A Wallet

Wanting To Say Thanks

Big Ripples

75 Balloons

My 6 Minutes Will Save You 60!

Park Clean-up

A Note in my Lunch Box

Day 2: Tipping At Starbucks

Dry Cleaner Excitement

My first ever random act of kindness

Character Counts!

A Little Girl In Need

Tagging the Whole Entire Plane!

The Dusting Lady In My Hospital Room